Poa compressa is native to W Eurasia. It is infrequent in China and is perhaps present only as an introduction in C to E Russia and China. It is distinguishable by its strong rhizome system, long, open sheaths, compressed culms and nodes, and scabrid-angled panicle branches. It is a good soil binder in riparian habitats. It is expected in Heilongjiang because it is frequent on the Russian side of the Chinese border.